[Hunter Association Top Secret Information. Reliability is over 95%.]
This means the Hunter Association has been deceiving everyone.
'Did they decide it's better for people to believe it's luck rather than talent?'
[Many people are already discriminated against based on their job Ranks. Imagine what would happen if it were revealed that it's not luck but a difference in individual potential.]
'…People would face even more ridicule and contempt than they do now.'
It's better to resent the heavens than to resign oneself to a lack of talent.
With that thought, it made sense.
Even with EX-Rank mental fortitude, it was hard to withstand the mockery of other hunters.
If it got worse, would ordinary people even be able to live with the self-loathing?
'What about job types? Are those related to potential too?'
[That's related to aptitude.]
'Are you saying I have an aptitude for being a mechanic?'
[Your job, Arch Mechanic, is not a mechanic. It's more akin to a mecha soldier or pilot. It's just that the level 0 skill is repair.]
Indeed, the skills acquired at levels 1 and 2 were far from those of a mechanic.
'So why is the basic skill a repair skill that messes with people?'
[What's more important to a mecha soldier than a repair skill?]
Because his basic skill was repair, Hyeon Su-ho had to become a porter.
If he hadn't met Nova, he would have lived as a mechanic forever.
[Do you know why I chose you on the Hypernova ship, Master?]
'Well… because you were right next to me.'
Hyeon Su-ho was the one who repaired the broken Nova. He was closest to the gem state of Nova.
That's why he thought he was chosen.
But Nova said otherwise.
[At that time, the entire expedition was inside the ship. So I could have chosen anyone I wanted.]
Even though Hyeon Su-ho was severely injured and on the brink of death at that time, Nova still chose him.
The reason was surprisingly simple.
[You were the only one. The only one capable of accepting my functions. Others would have gone mad and been unable to endure it.]
'That's ridiculous! There was even the ranker Fireballer in the expedition!'
[He merely had a high level. Even among the Eosians, those with the talent to synchronize with me were extremely rare, despite their population exceeding hundreds of billions. There was no one like that on the ship at that time.]
The reason Nova, originally a supercomputer, existed in a gem state was that no one could use Nova.
'Is that because of my high mental stat?'
[That's not a capability that can be explained simply with the word 'stat.' It's a more comprehensive and abstract concept.]
Nova spoke with utmost seriousness.
[Should I describe it as the resilience of the soul itself?]
It was ironic that an artificial intelligence was talking about souls.
When asked if a soul could be scientifically proven, Nova replied:
[No, it can't. But there's no better term for it in my data.]
It was something he hadn't known before.
Until now, he thought he was just lucky to meet Nova.
But it was because of his ability.
'Why are they suddenly praising me?'
[I apologize. I was worried that knowing this fact might cause you to become overconfident and reckless.]
Yeah, It made sense, realizing I have one of the rare EX talent could lead to reckless actions and potential failures.
But arrogance was far from Hyeon
Su-ho's nature.
'I'm not foolish enough to act complacently over something like this.'
[You're right, Master. That's why I judged it appropriate to tell you the truth.]
Even though he wouldn't act arrogantly, he couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence.
An owner of an EX-rank job.
Not an ordinary mechanic, but a mecha soldier capable of fighting.
Thinking about it filled him with confidence.
Although the meeting with Jin Sa-geol wasn't pleasant, it ended on a positive note.
Thanks to that, Hyeon Su-ho could laugh and part ways with Jin Seo-yeon and Hong Chang-shik.
* * *
"A level 4, A-rank mecha soldier. You may pass."
As usual, the guard at the city gate checked Hyeon Su-ho's hunter terminal and stepped aside.
"Have a good hunt."
"Thank you."
It had been over a month since he met Jin Seo-yeon, Hong Chang-shik, and Jin Sa-geol at the cafe.
Implanting the mana stone from the Hydra into his heart was a success.
The Hydra was originally an 8th-level monster.
Thanks to its power, Hyeon Su-ho's output and overall mana capacity increased by more than three times.
Even then, Hyeon Su-ho's body couldn't keep up, so the output was limited.
He could probably use about 60% of the mana stone's power? To fully utilize it, he needed to level up.
'I don't have time. I need to get stronger as quickly as possible.'
Even ten years wouldn't be enough to defeat Death Star.
Fortunately, Hyeon Su-ho's efforts paid off.
[Your level has increased.]
"Yes!!"
It usually took four to five years to reach level 3, but Hyeon Su-ho achieved it in less than two months.
He spared no time for sleep and hunted, and the experience from defeating the Hydra played a significant role.
The skills acquired at levels 1 and 2 brought a significant upgrade to his specs.
An EX-rank job that even Hyeon Su-ho himself couldn't fully grasp.
He wondered what skill he would get this time.
◆Skill
Machine Manufacturing
(Active)
Manufactures machines.
"...."
Other jobs had very detailed skill descriptions, but why was his always like this?
---
Every time he acquired a skill, it felt like solving a puzzle.
Fortunately, Nova instantly understood the meaning of this new skill.
[Congratulations, Master. You've become a walking factory.]
"Explain it in detail."
[Basically, it's similar to the upgrade skill. As long as you have materials and a blueprint, you can manufacture machines anytime.]
"So I can create machines from monster bodies too, right?"
[Of course, Master. Would you like to see a demonstration?]
"Don't joke around and be serious."
Previously, Nova had shown a bizarre cyborg form when he acquired the body modification skill.
Determined not to be tricked again, Nova clicked her tongue as if disappointed.
[Tsk! This is why having a sharp-witted master is...]
"Properly!"
[Understood, Master.]
The next moment, Hyeon Su-ho saw something beyond his imagination.
Clack! Clack!
An android army covering the plain. Above, countless fighters whizzed by.
It looked like an alien invasion force from an SF movie.
"This is possible?"
[It is. The problem is power output.]
"What's wrong with the output?"
[The energy circuits on Earth are too weak. Even if I optimize them as much as possible, there's a limit.]
"Why use Earth's technology? Just use Eos' technology like usual."
[Unfortunately, the core parts responsible for the output are not in my data. Currently, they only exist in the Genocide.]
"I thought you knew everything?"
[I am an AI designed for a combat ship. Core parts like the Nova engine and arc reactor were top secrets on the planet Eos. Only three AIs in the galaxy could handle them.]
"So what you're saying is..."
[This means I can't create spacecraft-grade combat machines. While I can produce those robots as long as we have materials and your mana, they won't be able to stand against the Death Star.]
Thinking back, hundreds of advanced combat ships from Eos couldn't defeat the Death Star.
So, no matter how many combat machines I deploy, they wouldn't be much help.
"But wouldn't they be effective against Earth's monsters?"
[Machines that can't utilize mana wouldn't be very effective. The higher your level, the less efficient they become.]
"Does this mean this skill is a dud?"
[Honestly, compared to previous skills, its combat power increase is significantly lower. However, there are useful applications.]
"What are they?"
[So...]
Nova explained the possible applications to Hyeon Su-ho.
And a while later...
Vroom!
"It really works?"
In front of Hyeon Su-ho was a huge motorcycle.
It had a futuristic design, incorporating the wind dynamics technology of the Eosians.
When Hyeon Su-ho twisted the accelerator, a pleasant vibration was felt.
Vroom!!
[I've incorporated all the technology I could. Would you like to connect it to the Genocide?]
"Like this?"
As Nova suggested, when he brought the Genocide near the motorcycle, something amazing happened.
The Genocide slid into the bike and transformed into a glowing blue disc at the base.
Not just that, the motorcycle...
Whir!!
"It can fly?"
The motorcycle floated steadily in the air.
It had turned into a hoverbike.
[By connecting the Genocide's core, the output increases like this. Using nanomachine technology, it can also transform.]
Following Nova's words, the motorcycle morphed into a car, then a plane, a small house, and finally a strange turret.
"A plasma cannon. It's more stable and powerful than the previous plasma gun."
The plasma cannon looked ready to unleash plasma at any moment.
Hyeon Su-ho admired its sleek surface, unable to hide his amazement.
"Impressive!"
[There's more to come.]
"What else is there?"
[My top recommendation is this.]
As Nova spoke, the plasma cannon morphed into nanomachines that started to envelop Hyeon Su-ho.
"Whoa! What are you doing?"
The soft nanomaterial wrapped around Hyeon Su-ho's body, forming a specific shape.
Soon, it solidified, turning into a familiar form seen in many SF movies.
"This is... a battle suit?"
Looking at his hand, he saw a sturdy armor.
When he touched his face, there was a solid helmet, yet it moved smoothly and wasn't cumbersome.
[It's a form that combines offense and defense. It not only protects you but also greatly enhances your strength.]
"Can I shoot plasma from my hand?"
[Of course. You can try it.]
Following Nova's words, Hyeon Su-ho spread his hand and aimed at a nearby rock.
Then...
Pew!!
Boom!!
A powerful plasma blast turned the area into a mess.
"Nice!"
[I merely transferred the Genocide's functions into a suit. Using nanomachine technology, it's not difficult.]
This seemed very useful.
Depending on the next skills he acquires, meaningful increases in combat power might happen.
Even now, he could create a combat machine army if he wanted.
Nova said it wouldn't be much help, but it might be enough to annihilate low-level monsters.
At that moment, the nanomachines forming the battle suit scattered and began gathering in the air.
"What now? What are you trying to show me?"
Nova's voice sounded surprised.
[Uh... this isn't my doing.]
"Not yours? Then why is it..."
The nanomachines formed a spherical shape in the air, and an electronic face appeared on the sphere.
(◕‿◕)
A smiling emoticon face.
It even made a sound.
Beep! Boop!
"...."
"...."
Both Hyeon Su-ho and Nova were speechless at the sudden occurrence.
The sphere tilted its head as if wondering what was wrong, assuming it had a face.
(｡・ω・｡)?
Beep! Boop!
It was a strange feeling.
Despite it only saying beep boop, he could understand it perfectly.
"Well, hi there."
When Hyeon Su-ho greeted it, the sphere waved happily.
٩(´▽`)۶
"Nova..."
[This is an unknown program-created AI. Congratulations, Master. It's like having a new child.]
"...."
(≧∇≦)/
Beep! Boop!
Don't be too happy.
* * *
The new AI was named Bipo, due to its tendency to communicate mostly with "bip" and "bo" sounds.
"It sounds like a pet name. Did I name it too carelessly?"
It was strange at first, but he quickly got used to it.
The best part was having an AI that could think and act on its own without specific commands.
[I'm here too, you know?]
The more, the merrier.
Normally, Bipo floated near Hyeon Su-ho in its spherical form, ready to transform as needed.
It really felt like having a pet.
"Would creating another machine produce another AI like this?"
[I can't predict or calculate the Hunter's skills. We'll have to try it to find out.]
"For now... later."
He felt like he wouldn't be able to handle another AI like this.
Using it as a disposable tool felt guilty somehow.
∑(O_O;)
"Bip?"
"No, I didn't mean I would use you as a disposable tool, so calm down."
(☍д⁰)
"Don't be scared..."
It felt less like an assistant and more like having another kid around.
Interestingly, Bipo listened well to Nova.
[Bipo! Listen to what your big sister says from now on!]
(≧∇≦)/
"Bip!"
"...I don't even know what's going on anymore."
Anyway, that's how Bipo joined the team (sort of).
* * *
A few more days passed.
Thanks to leveling up, he finally had enough modification points to replace his muscles and bones.
Nova was searching for a dungeon where they could catch a boss monster, as usual.
Luck came from an unexpected place.
While hunting in the Red Zone as usual, a strange phenomenon occurred.
Flash!
It flickered like lightning, but there was no thunder.
It felt like the sky blinked like a fluorescent light.
"What is this?"
[A massive amount of entropy was detected nearby, Master.]
"Entropy? What's that?"
[It's the primordial energy source that makes up the universe.]
"What does it mean for it to suddenly occur?"
[Analyzing the information to deduce an explainable conclusion.]
Nova couldn't sense mana, despite calculating falling leaves.
Nova couldn't calculate Hunter's skills, item options, dungeon appearances, or dimension gate manifestations.
A typical AI would show an error or give up, but Nova was different.
Nova was an AI capable of self-learning and growth.
Even without scientific evidence, it could make inferences based on experience.
Nova synthesized all the information and provided the most reasonable answer.
[It is estimated that a new gate or dungeon appeared at a nearby distance. Accuracy is about 78%.]
"A dungeon was created? How do you know? You can't sense mana."
[Entropy, which occurs when stars form, was detected. However, the fusion energy over 4 million degrees Celsius, which occurs when stars are born, was not detected.]
"In short, it's an unscientific phenomenon?"
[Like the existence of Hunters.]
Although Nova said 78%, if it could indeed sense dungeon creation, it was a big deal.
Depending on the detectable distance, he could monopolize nearby dungeons.
"Let's check it out. How far is it?"
[About 48 km away.]
"We have to check it out. Bipo! Transform into a motorcycle!"
"Bip! Bo!"
With Bipo and the genocide-equipped hover bike, they flew to the destination in no time.
Vroom!!
* * *
Thanks to Bipo, he arrived quickly and comfortably.
A bizarre phenomenon awaited, looking like a hole in space.
It wasn't the same as the instance dungeon where he fought Hydra, but rather the dungeon type he entered with the Jinryong Guild before.
"A dimensional gate..."
It was the same kind of gate where he had obtained Genocide.
It had appeared right before his eyes.